Another month, another episode in Kung Fu’s ‘Show Must Go Off’ series. But then it is not as if this is a bad thing, they are always up to a predictably high standard, well, production wise anyway and is this any different? Well, as you may expect, it is shot well, edited even better, but this installment just didn’t grip me. At times it seemed forced, and as I wasn’t the biggest fan of the band to begin with only owning one album, the self titled 1997 effort, and unfortunately this episode of the series is the most disappointing I have witnessed so far.
Admittedly, they put on a decent show for the delirious crowd who lap up every second of a fairly energetic performance from a band which can lay claim to being legends of the circuit, but it is simply down to the fact I am not the biggest fan of the band which maybe hindering my opinion somewhat. Certain tracks such as ‘Self Destruct’ highlight a side to the band which is rather quite great, showcasing a highly melodic edge which in my opinion is rarely seen throughout the set as they opt for more crunching guitars and that mid eighties esque sound (which is obviously going to be there) that is instantly recognisable. Other highlights include the upbeat ‘Word Attack’ and ‘Things Start Moving’ which has a sharp bite that I can’t quite put my finger on but sucks you in. But then, this is a DVD release and not an album, so I shouldn’t judge it on the songs as such. But then if you don’t like the music in the show, how are you supposed to enjoy the show? The disappointments I touched on earlier include serial opener ‘No Way’, the dull ‘Hawks and Doves’ and the non descript ‘Wrecking Crew’. In the bands defence, there is an obvious talent they hold and the lyrics that were wrote all those years ago strike an eerie chord in the world we live in today, but it isn’t enough to save the episode from becoming dull and tiresome.
So what of the DVD package Kung Fu have put together? Well as usual, the array of standard ‘Show Must Go Off’ features are present including lyrics on screen, a photo gallery and separate audio CD if you feel the need to listen to it when a DVD player isn’t present. The vintage gig footage is fairly interesting and a nice trip down memory lane for the fans out there who remember the band from yesteryear and is a nice touch. The audio commentary from the band is present once again, featuring guitarist Frank Agnew, burly vocalist Tony Reflex and bassist Steve Soto but it does little to strike any great interest in the viewer, save for one or two amusing anecdotes.
Despite the inevitable criticism I will receive for this review, I hope people will understand this is not a bad DVD. For collectors of the series it is an obvious must, fans of the band will wet themselves over it and devotees of 80’s hardcore punk will also jump up and down in delirium. It was filmed immaculately once again, for myself however, nothing grabbed me, pulled me in the screen and wanted me to be there, which for a music DVD, is a big let down.
Jay